Narooma area locals may have noticed a lot of activity at Dalmeny Beach on Saturday. This was the endpoint for the Australian National University’s Inward Bound endurance race.
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This adventure footrace challenges the physical and emotional endurance of participants. Based on World War II survivalist training intended for downed pilots, the event starts with teams of four being disoriented and transported blindfolded to a remote, undisclosed location in the middle of the night.
Participants disembark their buses and are then given an endpoint. They quickly have to determine their location. Using only map-and-compass navigation techniques they must then navigate the 30 to 100 kilometers to the finish line.
The start locations for this race included near Tuross Falls, west of Moruya and the base of Peak Alone, which is west of Cobargo. Participants must carry packs with basic survival equipment and emergency communication devices. They rely on the support and camaraderie of their teammates in order to overcome the various challenges that the course will force them to face.
Leadership, navigation and survival skills are just some of those which participants acquire, along with months of rigorous pre-event training to achieve the level of fitness required to complete the event. Spectator support provided a lively carnival atmosphere. It was wonderful to see the very warm welcome given by interhall spectators for all teams as they crossed the finish line.
Local ex Narooma High student, Robert Kenna, participated as coach with his team from Fenner Hall. This is his second year of being involved with the event. Robert was exhausted but also elated, as the goal was to complete the course. His parents were delighted to be able to see Robert and his team run through the BUPA (sponsored) finish line on Saturday.
Report by Leanne Kenna